DTF printing allows for quick and high-quality customization of graphics on textiles. To ensure a superb final result, it is crucial to properly prepare the file for printing.

In this guide, you will learn:

• which formats are most suitable,

• how to set up the color space,

• what to watch out for with white color and backgrounds,

• and how to safely send your file.

📁 Recommended File Formats

For successful DTF printing, we accept the following formats:

• PDF – for vector graphics (e.g. logos, text)

• PNG – for bitmap images (photos, illustrations)
  → size 1:1, resolution at least 300 dpi

The file must be finalized – we print exactly what we receive. If you need additional help or processing, you can order it separately.

🎨 Color Space – RGB or CMYK?

• RGB: more vibrant, intense colors – most common choice

• CMYK: more accurate color reproduction (e.g. for precise shades)

➡️ We recommend RGB, as most clients want the most vibrant colors possible. The difference between the two is usually minimal, but if you need a very precise shade, please let us know in advance.

🖼️ Resolution and Ratio

• Use 300 dpi

• Prepare the design at actual size (1:1)

• For PNG formats, remove the background if it is not part of the design

⚪ Handling White Color

In DTF printing, white is applied as a separate layer – it is not “default”, but must be specifically included in the design.

• Everything marked as white will be printed in white

• Do not change white to another color

• If you don’t want white, use a transparent background

🧽 Backgrounds and Transparencies

• Remove backgrounds you don’t want on the final product

• Do not use transparent layers – they are not interpreted correctly

• If using images with gradients, test before printing

🧩 Combining Graphics on Sheets

For greater efficiency in ordering:

• Arrange graphics on a printing sheet up to 56 cm wide

• Leave at least 4 mm of straight margin between designs for easier cutting

• You can prepare one design and indicate the number of repetitions in the filename (e.g. _logo_5x.png)

📌 This way, we optimize material usage and provide you with a better price calculation.

📤 Sending Files

Send your file:

• via email to dtf@sitotisk.net (if the file is not too large)

• or via WeTransfer.com – make sure to send an additional confirmation email

⚠️ If you do not receive a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder or contact us – sometimes links from WeTransfer end up in junk mail.

❗ Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• ❌ Incorrect resolution (e.g., 72 dpi) → use 300 dpi

• ❌ Missing white ink → clearly indicate it in the design

• ❌ Transparent layers → remove them

• ❌ Images without a background → ensure the background is truly not included

• ❌ Unclear layout on the sheet → use even spacing

✅ Quick tips for preparation:

• Maximum width: 56 cm

• You can place designs vertically or horizontally

• If you are unsure, ask us before submission – we are happy to help

• Use programs: Illustrator, CorelDraw, Photoshop, Canva, Gimp, Inkscape, Photopea.com, etc.

📩 Are you ready?

Send your design to dtf@sitotisk.net and order premium custom DTF transfers.
📦 Minimum order quantity: 1 linear meter
🎯 Place your order here: Creation of premium DTF transfers

• DTF Transfers for T-Shirt Printing 15,00 € + VAT
• Production of Premium DTF Transfers 15,00 € + VAT

Why?

To achieve optimal results in DTF printing, it is crucial to create a custom printing profile for each combination of ink and film. This process ensures that color shades are accurately reproducible, which is especially important for complex customer color requirements.

Why do we need individual profiles for ink and film?

Each combination of ink and film has its unique properties, such as saturation, transparency, and adhesion, which affect the final appearance of the print. Differences in texture and chemical composition between films, as well as the specific properties of each ink (e.g., saturation and pigmentation), mean that the same profile is not usable for all combinations. Without the appropriate profile, shades may deviate from desired values, leading to customer dissatisfaction and additional costs for reprinting.

The process of profile preparation

Preparing a printing profile for DTF requires precise setup and calibration of the printer for each combination of ink and film. The process includes:

1. Testing shades and saturation: each combination of ink and film is tested with different intensities to achieve the best color values.
2. Temperature and pressure settings: during profile preparation, temperature, time, and transfer pressure are also adjusted, as these factors affect the final shade.
3. Calibration of optical reading: using a color spectrophotometer, the accuracy of color shades on each film is checked, then printer settings are adjusted.

Advantages of using individual profiles

By creating specific profiles for each combination of film and ink, we ensure that:

• Shades match expectations: we achieve the desired color accuracy, which is essential for high-quality projects.
• We improve printing consistency: profiled printing results are consistent, regardless of material or color.
• We reduce the number of repetitions: by reducing the need for reprinting due to incorrect shades, we save time and costs.

Conclusion

In DTF printing, preparing individual profiles for each combination of ink and film is fundamental to achieving high-quality results. Precise profiling allows control over all shades and ensures that the final print meets customer expectations, while optimizing the efficiency of the entire printing process.

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